The King

1. In what state do we see the English crown at the beginning of the film? What
relationship does England have with its immediate neighbours: Scotland and Wales?
2. How could you describe the relationship that young Prince Henry has with his family,
in particular with his father?
3. We see that Prince Henry is rather keen on “drinking and clowning”, how can we
describe his character?
4. What can you say about the duel between Percy and Henry and what is the
consequence of it? Talk also about the reaction Henry had.
5. At the coronation feast, King Henry V receives gifts from foreign ambassadors. What
gifts are those and do you think is the symbolic significance of them?
6. At first Henry V was reluctant to start the war with France, but he did it in the end.
What caused him to change his mind?
7. Analyse John Falstaff’s phrase “A king has no friends, only followers and foe”, and
share your view on its meaning.
8. The kingdoms of England and France had a very long history of wars and disputes.
Could you explain the background for this?
9. What role does Falstaff have in King Henry’s military campaign?
10. Battle of Agincourt (1415) was key in English triumph over France. Provide details
to its significance and strategies.
11. As part of Henry’s new claim to the French crown he marries the daughter of the
French king – Catherine de Valois. By the end of the film there is a conversation
between them, during the course of which Henry finds out that the cause for his
campaign was fabricated by his own men. What do you think about it and do you
agree with Queen Catherine’s arguments?